One of my university lecturers took the controversial view that every person who injures themselves should have a cross carved into their arm by a scalpel. The idea being, when the cross has healed, so has the underlying injury. The problem is, if an injury is soft tissue (muscle/ligament/tendon etc), it is visually hidden from view. If you can't see it, you're not aware that it exists. My lecturer's thoughts were good, even if slightly macabre.
Since my scalpel is off being sharpened, I thought I'd offer a slightly less invasive and bloody alternative. Hopefully (said with mounting skepticism!) by showing you how long it takes for your body to repair itself, you might wait a bit longer before you start picking up heavy things after your next injury.
Major points of note from the above:
- Inflammation begins at 30 minutes, and can persist for six weeks if not iced and rested.
- Return of muscle contractibility may take up to two months.
- Full remodelling and strength return may take two years.
These healing times can be further extended by any of the following retarding factors:
- Old age.
- Low serum protein.
- Lack of vitamin C or calcium.
- Hormonal imbalance.
- Excessive steroid levels.
- Irritation (ie: use when you should be resting).
Take heed of the recovery times. Be smart. And don't make me get my scalpel.
Dan Williams
Director - Range of Motion
Accredited Exercise Physiologist
Accredited Exercise Scientist
Dan Williams
